Darrell Shannon Smith

Darrell Shannon Smith was born on January 15, 1960 in Seattle, Washington to the union of Jerome Smith and Barbara Sue [Holland] Smith. He was the first-born child, of Barbara’s and Jerome’s five children.

The family lived in the Central District of Seattle, WA. They later to moved to Des Moines, WA and then lastly Tukwila, WA.

Darrell was an outgoing child and a natural born leader. His mother often described Darrell as an “Old Soul” even as a small child.

Darrell attended Mt. Rainier High School but graduated from Foster High School in 1978. He was an avid sports fan, playing baseball, basketball and running cross country track.

Darrell’s intellect, talent, and outgoing charm gained him acceptance to Morehouse College. However, with his strong love for family, he chose to stay close to his home and to them.

He attended Highline Community College, where he continued to play basketball and graduated with an Associate of the Arts Degree.

At age 18, while attending college, Darrell began his career with the United States Postal Service. He initially began as a clerk. However, his strong work ethic and born leadership skills served him well, advancing him to various management and leadership positions with the US Postal Service.

In 2009, Darrell retired his long and well-deserved career, serving and honoring the state of Washington, as the first black, Postmaster General for the City of Bellingham.

Darrell was a talented musician, with a joy and passion for all musical genres. He played base and electric guitar and was also an exception drummer. At one point he owned 4 sets of drums.

His musical talent provided him opportunity to play as a studio drummer as well as on stage with George Clinton.

Darrell had a flair for cooking, something he inherited from his mother--often loving to fry chicken and barbeque. There were times when the family would hold

competitions over who’s barbeque was the best. Darrell became the one always called upon to season and cook for family gatherings.

Later, his joy of cooking led him to the water to start crabbing. He even bought a boat for his crabbing, though he was terrified of the water.

Music and cooking were not Darrell’s only passions and talents. He received so much joy in sports, continuing his love of basketball, golf, shooting pool and snow skiing.

Darrell was a good friend and liked by all. He was quick to make new friends as well as maintain many lifelong relationships.

Family meant everything to Darrell. As the oldest of his siblings, Darrell was extremely close to his brothers and sister. From an early age right up to his passing, he was a great brother, mentor, advisor, protector and best friend for all of them.

On August 20, 2010 Darrell had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic that changed his life forever. With all that he endured and the many challenges he faced, he continued to fight every day to live and to thrive. He maintained his sense of humor, his kind spirit and his beautiful soul.

On February 16, 2020, he was called Home. Darrell Shannon was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Smith and his brother Devlin Smith. He will be remembered by his father Jerome Smith; his brothers Darcy Shannon, Dion Shannon and his sister, D’juna Sue; his two nieces Andrea Smith, and Essence Partee; his three nephews Price Mason-Smith, Darrion Smith and Adrian Grant; one great niece Amaya Francis. He also leaves a host of family, cousins and friends.

Beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend; Darrell Shannon Smith will be loved and remembered always.